Mani Monday: The Perfect Natural Manicure

Before a recent trip to Cabo, I decided I would try my first gel manicure. I heard it can be damaging to the nails, so I avoided getting these mani's even though they are super stylish and very popular. The brand and shade recommended to me by the lovely ladies at Beverly Hills Nail Design was CND Shellac™ in the color Romantic. It looked great and lasted for 14 days…perfect for vacation.  P.S. There was NO nail damage once the polish was removed. 

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I love the clean look and mirror-like shine!  CND Shellac in Romantique.

If you are looking for the best natural (regular) nail colors, here are two great options from essie to choose from as seen on a few of these fab ladies at the Oscars.

Angelina Jolie

Inspiration: “We chose essie’s sugar daddy – the perfect shimmery pink to complement Angelina’s classic beauty and gorgeous Elie Saab Haute Couture gown,” said Celebrity Manicurist Emi Kudo.
Essie shade: Sugar Daddy, $8.50
 

Sugar Daddy by Essie was used in this subtle French manicure with a squoval nail shape…perfection!

Idina Menzel

Inspiration: “Idina wore essie’s blushing bride – a flush of pale pink for a clean and chic look for the red carpet,” said Celebrity Manicurist, Lisa Postma.

Essie shade: Blushing Bride, $8.50

Celebration with Jessica Alba: Honest Turns 2

Jessica Alba and Honest co-founder Christopher Gavigan hosted The Honest Company Turns 2 Celebration at the Honest headquarters in Santa Monica. The family essentials brand celebrated two years in business with a family friendly event featuring fun activities like balloon artistry, face painting and a prop filled photo booth. Jessica’s children Honor and Haven joined in on the fun festivities, along with co-founder Christopher’s three kids.

Jessica is wearing an Andrew Gn shirt, Roland Mouret pencil skirt and DVF black patent pumps.
Image courtesy of WireImage

While checking out the new showroom space, attendees enjoyed made to order beignets, quinoa crab cakes, mini vegan sloppy joes, mac & cheese cupcakes and Asian noodles in Chinese takeout boxes. 
 

Image courtesy of WireImage

Inside the offices of the Honest Company.

Yummy desserts!

With a nod to the 2nd birthday celebration, as guests departed, they received a “Tips in 2” one sheet outlining simple tips on how to make your life healthier in 2 seconds, 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days and 2 years. I thought I would share this useful information.

Selfie w Jessica!

With work life management expert Samantha Ettus.

Jessica Alba with her daughter Honor.

Guests were treated to a build your own gift bag to fill with Honest Company products ranging from home cleaning, personal care, health & wellness and baby essentials. As Jessica noted at the event “At Honest our mission is for families to have the safest and healthiest home.”

Jessica Alba and Honest co-founder Christopher Gavigan

Image courtesy of WireImage

I love the Essentials Body Bundle! You get to pick five products of your choice for $39.95/month

Mani Monday: Best Purple and Sparkle by Butter London

I am loving this amazing "perfect shade of purple" nail color by Butter London. The color is so versatile…it acts like a neutral and can be worn all year long. I added a sparkly shade on my ring finger as an accent nail for fun.

Nail colors by Butter London. Marrow, $15.
The Black Knight on accent nail, $15 
Double X ring by Kelly Gerber Jewelry
Manicure by Hikari, Yuki Sharoni Salon.

Butter London Nail Lacquers are super chip resistant. My mani lasted over a week!

Butter London Nail Polish, $15
Colors: Marrow and the Black Knight